Increased Profitability
Using N-Min & N-Calc optimises crop yields and quality whilst minimising fertiliser use. This is because by following N-Min & N-Calc farmers either:
- Use less N, maintain yields and reduce costs
or - Use more N and improve yields
and/or - Meet their quality targets
Case study 1
Sigma Professional Growers Team - Oilseed Rape
This field was closely monitored for team discussion. The N-Min test revealed a high Total Nitrogen Reservoir (110kg N/ha) and the crop was forward (GAI = 2 = 100kg N/ha). N-Calc recommended a zero N application. A need for sulphur had been identified and this also supplied the crop with 28kg N/ha. Without the N-Min test 170 kg N/ha would have been applied.
Result: The 142kg N/ha not applied saved the grower £135/ha and the yield exceeded expectations at 4.6t/ha. Across the farm average yields were up 0.4t/ha at 3.9t/ha. It was a leap of faith for the grower to follow the N-Calc recommendation but he later commented that the N-Min testing had been an eye-opener.
Case study 2
Yorkshire farm improves 1st wheat profitability
This farm traditionally applied 180kgs N/ha across all 1st wheats and annually achieved an average yield of 9t/ha.
When the N-Min & N-Calc service was implemented significant variances in the total amount of mineral Nitrogen available from the soil were recorded. N-Min & N-Calc recommended applications rates of between 160kg to 220kg.
Result: More fertiliser was used overall but yield averages increased to 10t/ha and farm profit, at 2008 prices, increased by £20,000.
Case study 3
Gloucestershire farm benefits as winter malting barley stands
On this farm high N-Min levels of 156kg were measured. Taking yield and quality aspirations and crop N into account, N-Calc recommended just 45kg/ha N be applied. The farmer, who was naturally sceptical that so little fertiliser was needed, applied his usual rate of 140kg/ha N to the bulk of the field. Meanwhile, in the GrowHow plot the N-Min & N-Calc recommendation was followed.
Result: Where N-Min & N-Calc was followed the crop stood whilst, unfortunately, the farmer's field went flat. In financial terms a potential saving of £95/ha if the N-Min & N-Calc approach had been adopted, plus the extra costs associated with harvesting a flat crop would have been saved.
Case Study 4
Crop balance data proves the point
The graph below shows crop balance data for ten fields on ten different farms.
The target symbols indicate the amount of N measured in the crop.
The data on the left is from those farms that did not follow N-Min & N-Calc recommendation and applied their usual fertiliser rate. On the right are farms where the N-Min & N-Calc recommendationd were followed. The farmers on the right have optimised their fertiliser use and minimised the impact of their crop production on the environment. Where would you rather be?
"Cost savings and evidence that we are using the minimum we can get away with." - Richard Payne
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For details of local service providers email: advice@growhow.co.uk or telephone the GrowHow Advice Centre: 0151 357 5758.
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